We did not make it out Monday night and the following morning we changed plans – we decided to go to the beach. The Rivera of Portugal is at Cascais about an hour outside of Lisbon. We caught the tram then walked along the river. There were three liners docked and one was supersize. We then caught the train from Casa Sorde and travelled along the river bank until reaching the mouth and the coast of Portugal.
On arriving at Cascais we strolled down to one of the beaches and wet our feet in the Atlantic Ocean. The town is clean and appears prosperous with a number of examples of Moorish architecture. We found a cafe on the beach which served artisan ice cream so one banana split and a crepe for Kerry became lunch. While eating lunch Kerry saw a fishing boat returning to the port accompanied by a flock of gulls – obviously the trip was a success. We strolled through the village which overlooks the beach, there were boats on the beaches, some derelict buildings made presentable with street art, laneways filled with restaurants, an Irish Pub, and a fort (called the Citadel) which became the Royal residence of King Carlos I until his death in 1908 and then Ferdinand II until the revolution and over throw of the monarchy in 1910.
The Citadel is an art gallery today but stands out as once the bastion of the town. Behind the Citadel is the Parque Marechal Carmona. We decided to stroll through and noticed that there was a tree uprooted immediately inside the gate. On closer examination there was storm damage everywhere – the storm on Sunday had caused a number of tree falls and many fallen branches as someone decided to plant eucalypts in the gardens. The storm must also wrecked the hen house as there were chooks running free with the ducks the gulls the peacocks and pigeons.
Out of the park and back into the old town we saw small alleys with tiled houses, arched alleys and police on scooters. Around the corner we found the Town Hall (Rathaus) which included a history of the county and its flag. Outside of the council building stood King Dom Pedro II right in front of O’Neil’s Irish Pub. Time has flown by and we want to head back to Lisbon. So now to find the railway station. Up one alley and I wonder if this could be the way? Number 5 and 5A look a bit worse for wear.
Arriving at the Lisbon end, we go across to the Time Out Markets for our last dinner in Lisbon. First course – fresh oysters and fried prawns with a glass of Portuguese white wine followed by a tapa plate (three actually – a serious error on quantity) and a glass of Portuguese white wine recommended by the proprietor. Yes three different sausages and a ham with three varieties of cheese – protein overload. Stuffed we staggered to our tram stop and made our way to the apartment. The last time we will have to ride those bloody trams.
Tomorrow we travel to Madrid. Ole!
glendon1954 